Textile Study Group

artists and tutors sharing ideas imagination and skills

My work reflects the love I have for the woods, hills and valleys of my local landscape on the edge of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. The year’s cycle from Spring’s new growth to the dormancy of Winter provide me with ever changing inspiration, as does our unpredictable British weather in all its varied moods. Whether by sun or moon the light on the land creates shadows and reveals form and texture especially noticeable during the winter months. My favourite time of year.

The geology, history and folklore of the area have also influenced my work, one of three recent solo exhibitions being based on Landscape and Legend. The locally mined ochres and colours have influenced my palette, their subtle earthy tones combining well with the mixed media I favour.

Layers of strata, layers of meaning, many aspects of landscape are symbolic or a metaphor for events in our lives. Symbolism and pattern are recurring features in my art and textiles which help me to express the connection I feel for the landscape.

I value my sketchbooks because they not only contain sketches and observations but also record thoughts, developments and experiments, and are a personal reference for future work.

I continue to work and teach in my own studio as well as exhibiting in local galleries. I also enjoy taking part in the Forest Open Studios scheme each July. Meeting and talking with artists from different backgrounds in my own space and demonstrating my techniques to visitors is a satisfying way of sharing my love of art and textiles.

Sketchbooks
Two small sketchbooks showing paper collage developments and machine embroidery samples
Closer view

Jan Evans